SAFETY
the job. Only use accessories and attachments ap- proved by the manufacturer.
•Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety glasses and hearing protection. Long hair, loose cloth- ing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
•Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire which can be thrown by the machine.
•Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a.Use only an approved container.
b.Never remove gas cap or add fuel when engine is running. Do not smoke.
c.Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
•Check that the operator’s presence controls, safety switches and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operating Safely
•Never run an engine in an enclosed area where dan- gerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
•Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
•Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. For this machine, drive across hillsides, not up and down. Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability. Use caution while operating near
•Slow down and use caution when making turns and when changing directions on slopes.
•Never raise deck with the blades running.
•Never operate with the PTO shield, or other guards, not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
•Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered, unless using a grasscatcher. Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grasscatcher in place.
•Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at exces- sive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
•Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage drives, engage parking brake, and shut off engine before leaving the operator’s position for any reason including emptying the grasscatchers or unclogging the chute.
•Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking ob- jects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make neces- sary repairs before resuming operations.
•Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.
•Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
•Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mow- ing. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or off of a trailer or truck.
•Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
•Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.
•Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace worn and damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
•Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments.
•Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation require your full attention.
•When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
Using a Spark Arrestor
The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark ar- restor muffler. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine on or near any
A spark arrestor for your machine may be available from your authorized dealer. An installed spark arrestor must be maintained in good working order by the operator.
Checking Mowing Area
•Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job.
•Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
•Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.
•Test drive area with mower lowered but not running. Slow down when you travel over rough ground.
SAFETY - 5